Under the federal Clean Air Act, facilities that maintain certain quantities of regulated substances must submit a risk management plan to EPA that explains steps the facility would take to reduce the risk of accidental releases of flammable substances. The plan must also explain how the facility would minimize the consequences of any accidental releases that might occur.

Regulated substances at the Matheson Tri Gas facility in Palm included methane, propylene and isobutane. EPA alleged that the company did not submit a risk management plan to EPA until 20 months after it acquired the company.

As part of its settlement with EPA, Matheson Tri-Gas did not admit liability for the alleged violations, but has certified that its facility is now within the risk management provisions of the Clean Air Act.